Hyperthyroidism: The Underdiagnosed Thyroid Disorder

An Overview of the Symptoms, Side Effects and Treatment

With much said about thyroid disorders, there is one thyroid condition which affects nearly one percent of the American population resulting in a common misdiagnosis. While more common in women than in men, the effects of hyperthyroidism can lead to life debilitating complications, especially when not properly diagnosed.

While hyperthyroidism can impact anyone of any medical status, it is most common in those individuals with a family history of hyperthyroidism, those who suffer from an autoimmune disease, lupus, diabetes and arthritis.

When suffering from hyperthyroidism, the most common symptoms include a rapid heart beat that feels forceful against the check and may even be diagnosed as palpitations when they appear during periods of rest. In addition to rapid heart rate, sufferers of hyperthyroidism also commonly complain of symptoms of nervousness and anxiety. In these patients, the nervousness may be of such an extent that the thyroid sufferer will find great difficulty in sitting still and, in fact, can be commonly misdiagnosed as Parkinson's disease.

One of the hallmark symptoms of hyperthyroidism is the sudden and consistent issue of weight loss. Ironically, the individual with hyperthyroidism, whole losing weight will suddenly notice an increase in appetite and, yet, still experience weight loss. For this individual, the weight loss may seem to be a benefit of the condition. However, it is important to not allow the condition to continue untreated as the loss of weight is actually not a loss of fat but, instead, a loss of lean muscle which is crucial to maintaining proper organ function.

Treating hyperthyroidism is, generally, achieved through the use of anti-thyroid prescription medications which work to slow the activity and production of the thyroid gland. For many patients, the medication, once titrated to the proper dosing level, provide a significant improvement in results with little side effects.